TMA-6 has no history of human usage prior to the 1991 publication of its synthesis and pharmacology in the book PiHKAL ("Phenethylamines I Have Known And Loved") by Alexander Shulgin, who called it "one of the most rewarding and pleasurable of the methoxylated amphetamines".[1] Since then it has been regarded as a novelty in the psychedelics community and is made available for sale only rarely by clandestine laboratory operations.

In terms of its subjective effects, it is known for its lack of classic psychedelic visuals compared to other hallucinogenic phenethylamines and is known instead for its unique stimulating body-high and intoxicating headspace.

Anecdotal reports suggest that TMA-6 is unpredictable and dose-sensitive substance that can produce uncomfortable amounts of body load, nausea, overstimulation, and inconsistencies between experiences.

Chemistry

TMA-6, or 2,4,6-trimethoxyamphetamine, is a molecule of the substituted amphetamine class. Amphetamines are substituted phenethylamines, being comprised of a phenyl ring bound to an amino (NH2) group through an ethyl chain and a methyl group bound to the alpha carbon Rα. TMA-6 contains methoxy functional groups CH3O- attached to carbons R2 and R4 and R6 of the amphetamine backbone.[2]

Subjective effects

The effects listed below are based upon the subjective effects index and personal experiences of PsychonautWikicontributors. These effects should be taken with a grain of salt and will rarely (if ever) occur all at once, but heavier doses will increase the chances of inducing a full range of effects. Likewise, adverse effects become much more likely on higher doses and may include serious injury or death.

Physical effects

Stimulation - In terms of its effects on the physical energy levels of the user, TMA-6 is usually considered to be extremely stimulating at levels which do not become overwhelming, resulting in a shakiness and unsteadiness of the hands but encouraging one to move around, run, dance, climb and generally engage in physical activities. In comparison, other more commonly used psychedelics such as psilocin are generally sedating and relaxed.

Spontaneous tactile sensations - The "body high" of TMA-6 is manifested as somewhat intense in comparison to most classical psychedelics such as LSD. The sensation itself can be described as a constantly present yet somewhat mild energetic pins and needles sensation that encompasses a person’s entire body. It is usually felt over every square inch of the skin, but occasionally manifests itself in the form of a continuously shifting tingling sensation that travels up and down the body in spontaneous waves.

Cognitive effects

The cognitive effects of TMA-6 are described as powerful mental stimulation along with undertones of intoxication that can increase the connectivity and rate of conceptual thinking without being overwhelming.
The total sum of these cognitive components regardless of the setting generally includes:

Empathy, love, and sociability enhancement - This component is consistently manifested only in the context of social settings in which one is within the company of others. These feelings of sociability, love and empathy are weaker and sharper than those found on substances such as MDMA and 2C-B, but still can elevate one's mood.

Visual effects

Enhancements

Distortions

Drifting(melting, flowing, breathing and morphing) - In comparison to other psychedelics, this effect can be described as highly detailed, slow and smooth in motion, static in appearance and unrealistic/cartoon-like in style.

Toxicity and harm potential

The toxicity and long-term health effects of recreational TMA-6 use do not seem to have been studied in any scientific context and the exact toxic dose is unknown. This is because TMA-6 has very little history of human usage. Anecdotal evidence from people within the psychonaut community who have tried TMA-6 suggests that there are no negative health effects attributed to simply trying the drug by itself at low to moderate doses and using it very sparingly (but nothing can be completely guaranteed). Independent research should always be done to ensure that a combination of two or more substances is safe before consumption.

Tolerance and addiction potential

Though largely unstudied TMA-6 is largely considered to be not habit-forming and the desire to use it can actually decrease with consumption. It is most often self-regulating.

Tolerance to the effects of TMA-6 are built almost immediately after ingestion. After that, it takes about 3 days for the tolerance to be reduced to half and 7 days to be back at baseline (in the absence of further consumption). TMA-6 presents cross-tolerance with all psychedelics, meaning that after the consumption of TMA-6 all psychedelics and stimulants will have a reduced effect.

Dangerous interactions

Although many psychoactive substances are reasonably safe to use on their own, they can quickly become harmful and even life-threatening when taken with other substances. The following section lists some known dangerous combinations, but it may not include all of them. Furthermore, a combination that seems to be harmless in low doses can still greatly increase the risk of injury or death when the doses are slightly increased. Independent research should always be conducted to ensure that a combination of two or more substances is safe to consume. Some interactions listed have been sourced from Tripsit.